CIE to host HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cambridge Awards 2009 in partnership with KHDA

The awards are a celebration of the outstanding academic achievements of secondary school students in the UAE in the June 2008 Cambridge examination session.

CIE is honoured to once again have the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum for this event, which is being held at the Mina Al Salam Hotel in Dubai.

Students and their families, teachers, Heads of schools, and dignitaries are welcome to this key, invitation-only event. During the ceremony students will receive awards for attaining the highest mark in the world in the Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS/A Level examinations in June 2008, and the highest mark in the UAE in Cambridge International A Level examinations.

Additionally, the Cambridge Award for Outstanding Achievement will be presented to the highest achieving male and female students in each region in recognition of their overall performance across a range of Cambridge IGCSEs and Cambridge International AS/A Level subjects.

Highlighting the outcome of this event, Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of KHDA, said, "Following the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Prime Minister and Vice-President, and Ruler of Dubai, to establish a knowledge-based economy, the Emirate of Dubai has set the benchmark in the region for quality education. KHDA continuously invests relentless efforts to elevate the quality of curriculums, teaching techniques, and educational environment with the objective of providing a globally recognised workforce capable of handling all the challenges of the job market."

Schools have also submitted nominations for the following awards to be presented at the ceremony: the Cambridge Special Achievement Award for a student who has demonstrated outstanding performance while overcoming significant personal challenges; the Cambridge Award for students who have made a significant contribution to the life of a school; and the Cambridge Inspirational Teacher Award for a teacher who has inspired students and made a positive impact on the school.

CIE Regional Manager for the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan, William Bickerdike said, "His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's valued patronage of the UAE Cambridge Awards is an inspiration to the next generation. His vision to nurture the academic brilliance of young Emiratis and other nationals who attend schools in the UAE is an inspiration to Cambridge students. The results in the Cambridge June 2008 examinations are proof that quality education together with an international perspective such as the one Cambridge provides in its teaching, and the endorsement of His Highness, have motivated the talent that exists in the UAE. We would like to take this opportunity to thank His Highness and KHDA for their unfailing support in making this award ceremony possible."